Massey Basketball: Streaks History in the IHSA Football Playoffs

It has been an exciting football season for the Streaks. Galesburg has been explosive offensively and has earned a IHSA Playoff spot. This will be the Streaks 10th trip to the IHSA Playoffs.

Some Illinois sports have had a State Series for over 100 years. The first IHSA football series was in 1974. Initially there were just 5 classes of 16 teams. This year there will be 8 classes of 48 teams each. Here is how the playoffs have changed over the years.

1974- 5 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 80 Total Teams

1980- 6 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 96 Total Teams

1985- 6 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 192 Total Teams

2000- 8 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 256 Total Teams

2026- 8 Classes- 48 Teams Per Class- 384 Total Teams

This year, the top 16 teams in each class will receive a bye, and the other 32 teams will play. The winners will advance to what the IHSA is calling the “First Round.”

Here is a look back at Galesburg’s previous State Appearances…

1976- 5A

Galesburg (7-2) at Belleville W (9-0)

Coach Kelly Kane

Initially in the playoffs, teams were assigned to classes based on the average enrollment of their opponents. With Galesburg in the same conference with large schools like Moline, Quincy, UTHS, and Rock Island, the Streaks were placed in the largest of the five classes. Galesburg was assigned to play the #2 team in Illinois, Belleville West.

The Streaks had lost their first two games of the season to Alton and Dubuque Wahlert before winning 7 straight. The Streaks featured one of the all-time best running backs in school’s history, Dean McKillip. The hard running McKillip went to the University of Iowa and had a successful college career.

Galesburg had a tough start in the game, the opening kickoff landed close to the goal line but did not go into the end zone. The GHS runner had to pick it up and return the ball. To allude the defense, the runner went into the end zone, where he was tackled for a safety. Not only did the Streaks start out down 2-0 but had to kick from the 20 into a tough wind. Galesburg never got great field position and was down 16-0 after one quarter.

The Streaks were further hampered when their All-State running back, Dean McKillip reinjured his leg in the second quarter which then limited him.

Galesburg battled back to cut the lead to 16-11 but was hampered by too many turnovers. The Streaks threw 4 interceptions, including a pick six, which led the final score of 23-11.

Belleville West made it to the State Semi-Finals before losing.

Belleville West 23- Galesburg 11

1980- 6A

Galesburg (8-1) at Belleville East (8-1)

Coach Kelly Kane

By this time, the IHSA Playoffs had expanded to 6 classes. Galesburg landed in the largest class on the basis of the average enrollment of our opponents. This was the 5th time that the WB6 champs were paired with a SW Conference team. The WB6 schools were 0-4 in the matchups.

Both teams had lost their second game of the season and won the rest of their games. Galesburg’s only loss was to Danville 23-21.

Galesburg featured All-State running back, Gary Pugh. Pugh had 1,051 yards on the season. The Streaks were loaded in the backfield with Mark Reed, Phil Goodman, Mark Martin, and Calvin Hawthorne all averaging over 10 yards per carry.

In addition to Pugh as All-State, Kurt Bell (end) and Steve Peachey (guard/linebacker) were both Special Mention All-State. Pugh finished this game with 313 yards rushing.

Galesburg got down early in the game. The Streaks’ defense struggled to stop East’s running attack as they rolled up 313 yards on the ground. Belleville was forced to point twice and fumbled once.

Galesburg cut the lead to 20-17 and forced a fourth down and one for Belleville East with 4:42 to go. The Streaks were unable to make the fourth down stop. East ran out the clock, scoring a TD with 30 seconds to go.

Belleville East lost the next game to Burbank Reavis.

Belleville East 28- Galesburg 17

1983- 5A

Peoria Richwoods (7-2) at Galesburg (7-2)

Coach Kelly Kane

By 1983, Galesburg was assigned class based on the GHS enrollment, and not paired vs the SW Conference. Galesburg was assigned to host Richwoods, who the Streaks had beaten 28-3 in the third game of the season.

Galesburg had 9 All-Conference players- Joe Droke, Jim Adams, Steve Batzer, Bobby Jackson, Dave Bernhart, Jeff Hughs, Bill Struck, Carlos Interial, and Craig Steward.

This was Coach Kane’s 10th season at Galesburg. This team tied for the WB6 title, which was the third for Kane’s teams. In an interview, Kane mentioned when he interviewed for the Galesburg job, he was asked if he could produce a winner in three years, and if he would be willing to move on if he couldn’t win. Kane had said yes to both questions.

Galesburg’s offense was led by running back Bobby Jackson. On this night, rain made for a “slow track” that helped neutralize Jackson’s speed.

Richwoods scored first in the opening quarter to go up 7-0. The Knights kicked onside after the TD, and recovered the ball. They marched down for another TD to go up 14-0. Although Galesburg offense outgained Richwoods 228-191, the Streaks managed to only score 3 points.

Richwoods lost the next round to Joliet Catholic.

Richwoods 17- Galesburg 3

1987- 5A

Richwoods (9-0) at Galesburg (6-3)

Coach Bill Bolinder

Galesburg got a home game but drew the #1 ranked team in 5A, the Richwoods Knights. Richwoods had been to the IHSA Playoffs five straight years and had a State Championship.

Galesburg’s offense was led by running back, Toby Davis. Davis had 1,033 yards on the season.

The Streaks suffered from a nightmare start. After receiving the opening kickoff, Galesburg fumbled the ball on the 2nd play. Richwoods took over on Galesburg 20, and scored a TD on their third play.

On their second series, Galesburg fumbled the ball on the first play. Richwoods took over on the Galesburg 21 yard line. Again, Richwoods scored a TD on their third play from scrimmage. 39-

On Galesburg’s third series, the snap went over the punters head. Richwoods took over on the Galesburg 24. After five plays, Richwoods was up 21-0, and by halftime led 28-0.

Richwoods lost to Joliet Catholic in the State Championship game 14-13.

Richwoods 39- Galesburg 0

1991- 5A

Joliet Catholic (9-0) at Galesburg (8-1)

Coach Chris Stiles

One of Galesburg’s best teams drew one of the toughest opponents ever in the first round. Galesburg had only lost 1 game all year, losing to State power, Richwoods 16-15 in the opening game of the season. The Streaks drew Joliet Catholic as their first round opponent. In 5A, Galesburg ranked #8 and Catholic ranked #2.

Joliet was making their 16th Playoff Appearance, and was coming off their 7th State Championship. Joliet had never lost a first round Playoff game.

Joliet Catholic was led by future NFL star, Mike Alstott. He had gained 1,371 yards on the season and over 3,200 for his career. Alstott was running behind an offensive line that averaged 220 pounds. To say they were a “power team” would be an understatement.

The Streaks countered with a defense anchored by Craig Foxall, and an offense featuring Jerry Cato, TJ Pendleton, and Sean Kane.

As if Joliet Catholic was not enough of a problem, a winter storm brought snow thoughout the game. The snowfall affected traction and created an advantage for Joliet Catholic’s power game over Galesburg’s finesse option game. Alstott was to have 241 yards on 30 carries.

The first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie. A Galesburg fumble on their own 21 led to the first score of the game. The Hilltoppers tacked on one more score before halftime to post a 13-0 lead at half.

On the second play of the second half, an errant pitch resulted in Joliet taking over on the Galesburg 19. Galesburg’s defense was stingy but after 8 plays, Joliet took a 20-0 lead.

Galesburg’s great team did not give up. Down entering the fourth by 27-0, Galesburg got on the board off a Kane to Isaac Mosley 69 yard pass. In the next series, CJ Ramage had a 75 yard pick six to get the Streaks within 27-15. That would be as close as the Streaks could get.

Joliet Catholic lost in the State Semi-Finals.

Joliet Catholic 39- Galesburg 21

2002-6A

Galesburg (5-4) at Oak Lawn Richards (9-0)

Coach Zach Shay

Galesburg produced a winning season and playoff berth. A last minute defensive stop in the Streaks last game, sealed a victory and a Playoff berth.

At 5-4, Galesburg was matched vs. Oak Lawn Richwards at 9-0. This was Richwards’ 19th straight playoff berth. They had taken second in 6A the year before.

As part of the Register-Mail build up to the Playoffs, Jay Redfern wrote a great story reflecting on the Streaks’ first Playoff team anchored by Dean McKillip.

Richards had an offensive line with players at 320, 282, and 265. The line had led a 1,000 yard rusher. They had a 6’7” quarterback and 6’6” receiver that were instrumental in the offense collecting over 1,600 yards passing during the season.

Galesburg had led the WB6 in passing with Jonathan Duffey as quarterback throwing to Sam Camper and Jerry Cato. The backfield was anchored by Derrek Blackwell.

Oak Lawn’s big line and offense dominated the Streaks as they ran for 220 yards in the first half.

Richards lost to Thornton Fractional South in the Quarterfinals.

Oak Lawn Richards 44- Galesburg 0

2012- 5A

Galesburg (5-4) vs Normal U-High (9-0)

At Illinois Wesleyan University

Coach Tim Dougherty

Coach Dougherty came to Galesburg in the 2011 season, and the Streaks went 1-8 in his first season. In his second season, the Streaks went 5-4 and made the IHSA Playoffs. This would be the 19th trip to the IHSA Playoffs for Coach Dougherty.

Galesburg featured sophomore quarterback, Peyton Isaacson. Galesburg has had a tradition of great running backs, and 2012 was no exception. Jonathan Mixon ran for 1,087 yards on the season. Unfortunately he would not play vs U-High because of a leg injury.

The Streaks started 4-1 but struggled down the stretch vs a very tough schedule. Galesburg lost 3 of their last 4 games vs State Ranked teams- Alleman, Rock Island, and Richwoods.

U-High was ranked #6 in 5A. They ran an explosive spread offense with a sophomore quarterback, Arion Worthman. He had accounted for 1,910 passing yards as well as threw 19 touchdown passes.

Galesburg’s defense held the explosive U-High offense to just one TD in the first half, but GHS’s offense could put up no points. The halftime score was just 6-0.

Galesburg’s defense produced three interceptions (Ben Holloway 2 and Tyson Parks 1). Travon Diggins led the Streaks in rushing wide 77 yards.

In the second half, the Pioneers broke open the game to get a 27-6 win.

U-High lost in the next round to Washington.

Normal U-High 27- Galesburg 6

2014- 6A

Galesburg (5-4) vs Peoria Notre Dame (9-0)

At Peoria Public Schools Stadium

Coach Tim Dougherty

Galesburg clinched an IHSA Playoff spot with a win over Quincy in the next to last game. This gave the Streaks their 5th win. Galesburg went 4-1 in the WB6, losing only to Alleman. Galesburg’s non-conference schedule was grueling with games vs Richwoods, Peoria ND, Peoria Central, and Peoria Manual. The Streaks managed only one win in the four games, beating Manual.

The Streaks returned players with Playoff experience. Peyton Isaacson (QB), Ben Hollaway (Back), JJ Range (Back), and Christian Powers (Back) all played as sophomores in the Playoffs. Isaacson established some of GHS’s passing records during his career, and Holloway rushed for over 2,000 yards in his career.

The Irish entered the game 9-0 and ranked #3 in 6A. They had an explosive offense, scoring 60+ points in three games. PND defeated Galesburg 49-21 earlier in the year.

Notre Dame jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, on their way to leading 35-0 at halftime. Galesburg broke into the scoring column in the fourth quarter and the game wrapped up with PND winning 42-7. Peoria ND passed for 256 yards. The Streaks Ben Holloway rushed for 76 yards.

PND won their next two games in the Playoffs, scoring 41 and 49 points. The Irish then lost in the semi-finals.

Peoria Notre Dame 42- Galesburg 7

2016- 6A

Chicago Hubbard (7-2) at Galesburg (7-2)

Coach Tim Dougherty

Galesburg was 0-8 in their first eight trips to the IHSA Playoffs. 2016 was different in that GHS entered the first round game as a better seed (#7) than their opponent (#10).

The Streaks were coming off one of the greatest games in school history. The Streaks without starting QB (Jacob Ross) and leading running back (Deadre Moren) upset the undefeated, #1 ranked Peoria Central Lions. Backup QB, Clark Hawkins led the Streaks to a 38-27 upset. This turned out to be Peoria’s only loss of the year, they were to win the 5A State Championship.

In the First Round, the Streaks faced Chicago Hubbard. Hubbard featured a running back with 1,266 yards rushing and 31 TD’s on the year.

Galesburg featured Jacob Carl (QB), Deadre Moren (RB), and Jacob Carl (TE).

The first half ended in a 13-13 tie. Galesburg scored on the first series of the second half, going 80 yards. The Streaks then kicked onside and recovered the ball. They then scored again, to make the score Galesburg 28-13. Galesburg held on for a 35-21 lead.

The GHS student section chanted, “We Made History.”

Galesburg 35- Chicago Hubbard 21

Round 2

Galesburg (8-2) at Springfield SHG (10-0)

In Round 2 Galesburg drew #1 Ranked Springfield SHG. While this was Galesburg’s 9th trip to the IHSA Playoffs, SHG had played in the State Championship 9 times with 5 State Championships.

SHG was without leading rusher, Temayne Lee, who had 1,854 years and 28 TD’s. The backup rushed for 171 yards. SHG exploded to a 38-0 halftime lead. Galesburg’s Moren rushed for 100 yards but it was not enough as the Streaks went down 45-7.

SHG lost in the State Championship game to Prairie Ridge.

Springfield SHG 45- Galesburg 7

2026- 5A

Galesburg (4-5) at LaSalle-Peru (4-5)

7:00pm on Friday, October 23

Coach Shawn Hickey

Galesburg will take their wide open offense to LaSalle-Peru for the “Opening Round” of the IHSA Playoffs. With the new format, 32 teams in each class will play in the “Opening Round.” The winners will play one of the 16 teams who received a bye.

The second set of games are considered the “First Round” of the IHSA Playoffs. The winner of the Galesburg vs LP game will go to Chicago Agriculture Science to play. Chicago Agriculture is seeded #2.

Galesburg is seeded #18 and LP is #15. Seeding is based on a combination of record and points earned by the strength of your opponents.

Galesburg 1-9 all-time in the IHSA Playoffs. The Streaks won in 2016 over Chicago Hubbard.

Shawn Hickey is in his third season as the GHS head football coach. His first two years the Streaks went 1-8 and 2-7.

Grady Hickey and Antwon Walker have rewritten the Streaks football record book. Hickey has taken over passing records, while Walker has taken over receiving records.

Hickey has completed 124 of 193 passes for 64%. He has thrown only 2 interceptions and 2,010 total yards. Walker has 45 catches for 931 yards, and 14 TD’s. Other top receivers have been Kevin Phillips (29 catches/354 yards) and Braden Sholl (17 catches/211 yards).

Galesburg averages 38 points per game, and holds their opponents to an average of 39 points per game. LaSalle-Peru averages 21 points per game, while holding their opponents to 23 points per game.